1956 Map of Chestnut Mtn.

About this map

Pisgah National Forest dominates this mid-century landscape, where the rugged intersections of Burke, Avery, and Caldwell counties meet along the eastern continental divide. The terrain is defined by steep ridges like Jonas Ridge and Ripshin Ridge, with deep drainages such as Wilson Creek and Upper Creek carving through the granite. Small pockets of settlement and family history are preserved at Mortimer and Kawana, the latter home to the Kawana Cem. This survey illustrates the remote character of the Blue Ridge before extensive modern development, highlighting historical landmarks such as the Lookout Tower on Chestnut Mtn and the isolated Parks Cem near the southern boundary. The network of creeks, including Estes Mill Creek and Raider Camp Creek, suggests the long-standing importance of water power and timber in these narrow mountain coves.